Back in June, we started hearing rumors that makeup artist Tom Pecheux would be getting his very own makeup line at a major cosmetics company.

According to this morning’s WWD, that company is Estée Lauder. Pecheux will not be designing an eponymous line, but instead has been given the newly created title of creative makeup director.

The last superstar makeup artist to work with the Estée Lauder brand was the still dearly missed Paul Starr. His role as leader of the national makeup team, however, was not one with much product input. Pecheux will have his hands in everything going on at the flagship brand. We think this is a very good thing.

Michael Kors may have been missing from Project Runway last night, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been logging in some quality time in Los Angeles. Perhaps honing his first color cosmetics collection, Very Hollywood, a collaboration with Estée Lauder (their second one of the designer variety after a couple with Tom Ford)?

Think glowing Carmen Kass and the Kors runway (or Hilary Rhoda in the Craig McDean photographed ad campaign) and you’ll get the vibe of the makeup. There’s definitely nothing heavy, even the lipsticks are called “sheens”.

Frequent Kors front-rower and the cosmetics brand’s SVP and Creative Director Aerin Lauder told WWD, “The Estée Lauder customer is very much the Michael Kors customer: someone who wants a wonderful product, someone who understands fashion, someone who understands luxury, someone who wants quality.” We totally agree that this seems like a perfect match.

The one product that we absolutely never leave the house without applying is mascara. Seriously, our lashes need to be sufficiently blackened, lengthened, and separated before we hit the road.

And with all of the random oscillating and polymer-coating mascaras out there, we were shocked that it took so long for someone to come up with this awesome one-handed mascara applicator.

We haven’t tried it yet, but we’re totally loving its pen-like structure.

After last week’s experiments and consequential post on waterproof eyeshadow, I started thinking about the rest of my face.

Every year around this time I get bombarded with emails promising the latest and greatest in water-resistant everything. I find that the women who buy waterproof buy it because it stays on all day and resists sweat. But most of these press releases boast their products’ ability to stay on poolside or at the beach which begs the question: who the hell is wearing makeup at the beach?

I’ll occasionally conceal a blemish here and there, but a face made up with bronzer, liner, shadow, lipstick and foundation? At the beach? Do people actually do this?

It’s like women who strut around the pool in stilettos, the sign of someone very uncomfortable in their own skin or very desperate for attention. So what do you think, is makeup at the beach a total faux-pas? Appropriate? Attractive?

And more importantly, what beauty necessities do you pack for a day at the beach?

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

We hear that Stila has gone bankrupt.

The story goes like this: The beauty brand, which is a favorite with beauty editors but is a little bit of a harder sell with girls that like bright colors on their faces, was sold by Estee Lauder to Sun Capital Partners in 2006, which means the products are only really available at Ulta and Bloomingdale’s besides beauty mecca Sephora.

We hear employees were given little advance notice, and arrived to offices that were shut yesterday morning.

Several attempts to contact Stila via e-mail and phone calls went unanswered.

And the Stila site says it’s down due to “routine maintenance” and that orders placed between March 23 and March 24 “may be canceled”.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Stila finally just got back to us, and they say that they’re “not going bankrupt” but “refinancing”. We asked what that means, and they said it means that they’re “reassessing their funds”…

In 2008, Christian Siriano won Project Runway Season 4. Since then, he’s showed a couple collections, gotten his designs on celebrities like Tori Spelling, designed a line of shoes for Payless, and last week, Saks announced that they picked up his entire Fall collection.

This week, Victoria’s Secret says the petite designer’s created a limited-edition line of Very Sexy makeup to appear alongside Heidi’s.

The line will consist of eye shadow, eyeliner, lip gloss, a bronzer/highlighter trio, and a brush and bag, with each item priced a few dollars more than VS’s regular line of makeup.

Incredibly, no hair products are in the works, but more pressing, would you buy makeup from Christian Siriano/Victoria’s Secret?

June’s still pretty far off but it seems like nobody told the beauty brands. Summer makeup will start to hit counters next week (if it hasnt already) and with it comes the usual deluge of “surf and turf”-themed colors and products.

The ocean is the go-to “inspiration” for summer, but honestly, if I see one more turquoise liner or coral gloss I’m going to boycott makeup altogether. Fortunately, amidst all the tired beach crap, emerged two inspired interpretations of the marine trend.

Chantecaille’s limited edition La Baleine compacts for face and eyes, which launched earlier this month, feature an intricately embossed image of a Blue Whale and her calf. I personally love the palette’s gorgeous scene, and the actual shadow shades — pale blue, blue-grey and champagne — are interesting and totally on-trend for spring. Plus, 5% of proceeds from the $98 palette are donated to the International Conservation of Nature to help in the fight to protect whales and their watery homes. This is the fifth environmentally-themed charitable initiative from the brand, with past palettes featuring everything from tigers to butterflies.

Granted, $98 bucks for an eye shadow trio is pretty crazy and I don’t know many people who have that kind of cash to drop, even if it is to help save the whales. So for a more realistic aquatic acquisition, I’m all for this Sonia Kashuk Hidden Treasure Brush Set. The set, which retails for $19.99 and is available next month at Target, features a summery coral print bag and six makeup brushes with handles that are designed to look like, what else, coral. The overall effect is chic, whimsical and proof positive that quality, trend-driven products can be inventive without costing a fortune. Now if only the hot weather would hurry up and get here…

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

Ok, the Glamour beauty department wins the prize of Most Unforgettable Blog Post ever. Seriously.

Fact: Kiehl’s customers are die-hard - they don’t call it a “cult” favorite for nothing - and will go on and on about everything from the Crème de Corps to the Grooming Crème until you kind of want to shove their Lip Balm #1 down their throats. If you’ve ever wondered how the 158 year-old brand keeps up such hype, you might like to know it’s because they actually listen to their customers.

Case in point: Late last year, they launched a stronger hold version of their Clean Hold Styling Gel. Not because some big name stylist declared that stiff hold was in, but because a group of customers said they’d really like it.

And now, they’ve launched their new Marvelous Mineral Mascara (on shelves as of yesterday), a direct result of fervent requests by loyal consumers who wished for a natural mascara that also conditions lashes.

I got my sample yesterday and tried it immediately even though I abused them with tests last week. The formula glided on without any tugging, and washed off with minimal discomfort to my lashline. There was some smudging around midday, but nothing too horrendous, and the crazy separation and decent amount of length means it’s officially entered heavy rotation on my bathroom sink.

And even if I wanted a totally smudge-proof option, I know all I have to do is complain to the right people, and poof, it’ll be a click away on their site. And with consumers dropping like flies, more beauty brands would be wise to focus their efforts on keeping their fan base happy instead of coming up with the next limited edition “it” nail polish shade.

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

In the history of mascaras, first came the primer craze, then there were fibers, followed by vibrating wands, and now tubes take their turn as the latest lash craze.

The original tube mascara, Blinc, was a cult hit, lauded by beauty editors near and far. Naturally, L’Oréal and Stila have followed suit.

For the uninitiated, tube mascaras contain lengthening tubes that are created using heat-sensitive polymers that wrap around the lashes, forming a literal tube that adheres to individual lashes for both a water and smudge-proof finish. They also claim to wash off with just warm water and a little bit of pressure.

L’Oréal’s Double Extend Beauty Tubes mascara launched earlier this year, which comes with primer on one end to (supposedly) give you salon-extension worthy lashes. Meanwhile, Stila launched their Convertible Mascara last month, another double-ended deal, only this one has a regular-sized lengthening brush on one end and a smaller defining brush on the other.

I tried out both mascaras and while I definitely got some added length, I wasn’t exactly creating a breeze with ginormo feather lashes. The one claim that did hold true was the ease of removal. It was actually a little creepy to see the little tubes fall off and into the sink; I looked like I was molting.

I was a little skeptical of the tubes at first but after years of dealing with smudgy mascara after smudgy mascara, these were a welcome relief. I might even give up my Becca Ultimate Mascara in favor of one of these. So what do you think, are you a tube convert or is this just a passing fad?

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

Stila wants to survive the recession.

So?

They’re offering a 20% off shopping discount along with free shipping on their site until April 11th.

Just use the code “stimulus” when checking out.

Really, that’s all.

And you’re welcome.

This just in via WWD:

Gareth Pugh’s been busy at work on accessories lines, including shoes and makeup.

Obviously, the shoes will be a hit - while not everyone has the courage to dress like a life-size Lego girl, almost everyone has the guts to tack on some serious shoes at the end of an otherwise plain outfit.

And the makeup? We’re hoping it’ll be more than just Urban Decay-esque dark shadows with a coating of green glitter - though a fragrance by the name of Pepe la Pugh might fare well.

No word on exactly when - or if any of this is even definite - the lines hit stores, but it’ll be very interesting to see who licenses all of this…

On Friday, WWD reported that Salma Hayek is currently working on an undisclosed beauty project. Earlier this month, it was also rumored that Jennifer Aniston is on the hunt for an endorsement deal herself.

But all I could think was, really? Isn’t the celebrity endorsement template a bit staid, especially in today’s tough economic times? There are plenty of models out there that could do the same job for much less money and hassle. Sure, a celebrity creates more exposure for your brand, but do they really influence consumers to spend money? I can’t say I know anyone who’s rushing out to CVS because Drew Barrymore’s shilling a Cover Girl mascara via alluring blinks. (And just think of the stable of stars L’Oréal Paris employs - sixteen celebrities, including Beyonce, Scarlett and Eva Longoria Parker - and somehow they can’t think of how to help that year-to-year net profit drop of 26.6%.)

You’d think beauty companies would try to cut some of the dead weight right now - could what Neutrogena gets out of Susie Castillo’s advertisements really make up for whatever she was paid? - unless we’re totally off. Do celebrities smiling and flipping their hair really get you to spend your cash more so than models?

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

Beauty inspiration backstage can run the gamut from “English Rose” to “Post-Apocalyptic Bladerunner Chic.” But this season, it looks like the name of the game is mostly just rock ‘n roll.

Rock as an inspiration is nothing new - it pops up every season. But this time around things feel a bit different. Those that don’t take the “clean, fresh and simple” route are edging farther and farther into grungy, hard rock territory. Usually, Fall brings lots of retro-glam or Victorian-era looks to the runways, but the general feel from backstage is that this season is a lot harder and rawer than those past.

Hence the rock stars. There was boyish and British Quadrophenia hair at Preen, “Mick Jagger’s poet rock girlfriend” at 3.1 Phillip Lim, a gorgeous purple smoky eye at Miss Sixty, and the very fitting “street rock n’ roll” greasy hair and smoky cat eyes at Yigal Azrouël.

There was even a “walk of shame” theme at Carlos Campos, with models sporting pallid skin and a creamy, dark eye smudged off on the outer corners, as if someone had hurriedly tried to make the vampy eye look respectable for the light of day and the long walk home (been there, done that).

My favorites were the badass black and white eyes created by MAC’s James Kaliardos at Preen, and the ribbon-bedecked, “Seventeenth Century Rock Star” braids whipped together by Redken’s David Cruz at Abaete.

I for one am glad to see the Retro and Romantic Goth trends (with a few notable exceptions) phasing out. You can only see so many pin curls and “brooding” dark lips before you just want to hit the makeup artist over the head with your notepad.

Raw and deconstructed is so much more interesting than perfectly polished. Just don’t take it to Little J levels of raccoon grunge.

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

Some gift bag news for those who don’t consider themselves too cool to pick through the freebies while waiting for a show to start:

Jill Stuart, who’s showing at noon on Monday the 16th, is throwing some of her highly coveted makeup line into her goody bags, marking their first appearance stateside.

The line has been available in Asia for quite some time, and won’t be making its US debut until “late spring / early summer.” So if you’re looking for a preview, or just a way to recreate the looks from her Spring 09 show, we suggest snagging your bag immediately.

Kind of makes all those unwanted MAC shades even less appealing.

To: Tips@Fashionista.com

From: FadeIn@Italy.com

Looks like Dolce & Gabbana are goin’ down. It appears Neiman Marcus is pulling D&G from all of its stores. The troubled company has been on a downward spiral for months now, very quietly. No more fancy showroom on 5th Ave - now unremarkable digs downtown. No more Director of Operations for the NY/US office, with no replacement. Now it looks like they’re getting pulled, and not just at Neiman, but other major/specialty stores in the US. Watch and wait.

xo FC

Um, we’re not totally sure about the above, but if you are, you know what to do. On a side note, is this why they’re launching a controversial ad campaign and $36 eyeshadow? Stay tuned…

When we read about the following, we didn’t believe it either:

Because of a major lawsuit filed against major department stores in California in 2003 (it seems some of the big name stores were purposely holding back inventory to up the price of high end beauty products), everybody is getting paid back in a major way next week.

Starting January 20th, major stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s are being forced to give away $175 million worth of beauty products nationwide, for free, to anybody who walks into their stores.

Shoppers only get one item per cosmetic company, while supplies last - Think Chanel, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, etc.

Click here for a full list of stores/beauty brands.

And please, put all those eco-friendly totes to good use on Tuesday.

“The job is, in many cases, the second one a girl has after working in a fast-food chain, and the wage scale reflects that short step up the career ladder. The frenetic pace of the drive-thru is still there, as are the constellations of acne breakouts (due, I guess, to a promiscuous level of cosmetic experimentation). The polyester smocks and Madonna headsets are there, but now they are a fashionable black; instead of cleaning fry vats, the girls are armed with tool belts and oil-dissolving cleansers.” - Cintra Wilson, on the in-house makeup artists at Sephora, in the New York Times.

If you got the expected $50 gift card to Sephora from your brother this holiday season, may be make a makeup suggestion?

Too Faced just launched their newest line, the Smurfette Collection, which we know is all we need to say to convince you.

The collection includes a mood-activated lip gloss (goes from Smurfy blue to pink, if you’re up to it), face powder, eye shadow palettes, and liquid liner.

So far, it’s only available online, which we think fits in quite nicely with post-holiday grazing anyway.

Tina Fey’s wearing little more than an American flag on the cover of January’s Vanity Fair.

The unusually sexy look for the geek chic comedienne continues in the Annie Liebovitz-shot editorial with an exposed black bra and demonic red pumps. In fact, the stylists and makeup artists manicured every inch of the actress - except for her hands.

Despite the crazy campy look, the dancing-lolling-vamping Fey wears her nails short and bare as if, gasp, they actually belong to Tina Fey. Because messing with someone’s nails is like making them wear a mask.

Some people talk with their hands, but everyone’s hands talk for them. Anxious? Your chewed up nails give you away. High maintenance? We’re terrified of your crimson claws.

[Side story: A friend of mine confessed that her boss’s nails used to make her sick. The attorney “would openly gnaw on them in court” leaving an unprofessional and unattractive set of nails in his nervous wake. Are you surprised that a Manhattan lawyer can get away with that? Don’t be. After all, the self-styled bad-ass defends killers for a living and as my friend said: “I doubt anyone ever gave him shit.”]

The moral of the story is: Your nails tell the truth about who you are. If Tina Fey’s all-American hooker garb included Revlon Raven Red on her fingertips, she would’ve looked like an actual hooker. Whereas bare nails make her Tina Fey dressed up as a hooker. Which in turn make the pictures funny - not embarrassing.

So what do your nails say about you? Are you telling people you’re a little punk rock with that Black Satin, even though you’re in bed by 11 every night? Or maybe you’re coming off as a little tacky with those tips?

—GLENNA GOLDIS (our new weekly beauty columnist!)